Casing head with blowout preventer



July 18, 1933.

F. J. HINDERLITER CASING HEAD WITH BLOW-OUT PREVENTER Filed March 50,1932 2 Shets-Sheet 1 n o a Z 1 I ma z .a 1k 4 ANN. V J l v A z 7 W 7 J 7Z i w Q z a W m 7 1 J 3 7 7 m T 4 z H 0 7 7 7 9 a a 7 H m K M 5% z 1 j 1w WW fl fl July 18, 1933.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 r Fr 76% J; Handel/1X61:

F. J. HINDERLITER CASING HEAD WITH BLOW-OUT PREVENTER Filed March 301932 4 A A I A 4 1 Patented July 18, 1933 UNITED STATES FRANK J.HINDERLTTER, OF TULSA OKLAHOMA CASING HEAD WITH BLOWOUT PBEVENTEBApplication filed March 90, 1932. Serial No. 601,950.

This invention relates to a casing head and will be described as acasing head incorporating high pressure sealin means therein forpreventing the escape of uid upwardly along 6 the well casing and/ordrill pipe which normally extends vertically through the casing head.

An object of this invention is the provision of such a casing headdesigned to reduce the friction of fluid passing therethrough and tofacilitate the positioning of the casing head at a relatively low point.

Another object is the provision of a casing head with an improvedpacking assembly associated therewith, so designed and arranged thatgreatly increased pressures will be sustained thereby.

Another object of this invention is the provision of such a casing headwith an improved packing assembly and means associated therewith forsupporting the weight of a well casing or drill pipe passing through thepacking assembly, and means associated therewith for transferring theweight of the well casing or drill pipe to the packing assembly fordepressing the packing assembly and causing lateral displacement ofaportion of the material thereof to 'efi'e'ct a fluid tight high pressureseal throughwhich the drill pipe may be moved vertically in eitherdirection.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe fol lowing description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is avertical section of a casing head incorporating myinvention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section of a fragment of that shown in Figure 1showing the packing element somewhat distorted as the collar on the pipepasses therethrough.

Figure 3 isa vertical elevation of the globe portion of the casing headand illustrating the bail ears and fragments of a lifting bail.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken on the line IV-IV 'of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a greatly enlarged view of a to fragment of that shown inFigure 1 illusvertically tierethroug globular interior anda takeoff 12'on one 'side of relatively large diameter which forms a Y with thecasing. Both of these features cooperate to' very materially reduce thefriction of fluids in passing through the head and as a result reducingthe wear on the parts. The portion 12 is adapted at its outer end forthreaded engagement withian inclined pipe 13 for delivering fluid fromthe head 11 to any desired point. The opposite side of the head member11 is adapted for threaded engagement with a horizontally extending pipe14 through which fluid may also be delivered to any desired point. Thelower end of the head 11 is adapted for threaded engagement with acasing 15 which extends into a well not shown. The exterior of the boss16' is provided with casing threads 17 by which the head may be threadedinto a casing of larger diameter than that shown in the drawings. Theupper side of the head 11 is provided with a boss 18 having threadedengagement with the lower end portion 19 of the vertically disposedextension or bowl member 21 which extension is provided for surroundinthe drill pipe 22 which extends 35 and for supporting. the packingassembly. For sealing the boss 19 to the head 11 there is provided arelatively soft ring 23 such as lead seated in a groove 24 in the faceof the shoulder 25.. A

, tween the ring 23 and the lower edge of the boss 19, to form a fluidtight seal therewith and prevent leakage of fluid and loss of pressureat this point. On the outside of the vertically extending'boss 18 I haveprovided threads 28 by which it is possible to make connection with alarge pipe when the bowl 21 is not used. I i

j In order to facilitate the movement of the 1040 packin mem casing headparticularly for moving it to or from its position on a well casing, Ihave provided the same with oppositely disposed aterally extending earsor hook members 31 which extend downwardly to a point at 32 and haveupwardl curved portions 33 into which suitable lifting means such aselevator bails 27 may be ositioned for lifting the head. The tops of theears 31 are preferably flat at 34 having depressions 35. This specificshape on the top makes it convenient to clamp the head down intoposition by suitable clamping means engaging over the ears 31 ifdesired. As such clamping or lifting means per se constitutes no art ofthis invention, the same have not een illustrated in the drawings but itis believed that the utility of the liftin ears as herein described willbe readily un erstood.

The vertical extension or casing head bowl 21 is provided with anannular shoulder 37 on which is seated the packing assembly consistingof a metal ring 38 having a channel 39 in 1ts upper surface in which isseated the inner and outer rubber annular sealing mem bers 41 and 42respectively. An uppermetal ring 43 having a downwardly disposed channel44 is fitted on the upper edges of the packing members 41 and 42.

Seated upon the metal ring 43 is a bushin 45 having a ta ered orfrusto-conical shape inner cam sur ace 46 being larger in diameteradjacent the top. On the cam surface 46 may be positioned the slips orwed es 47 which engage the pi e 22 and are a apted to hold the weight tereof.- The weight of the pipe 22 bein supported by the wedges 47 istransferre to the bushing 45 and to the metal rin 43 which depresses therubber fiers 41 and 42, displacing portions 0 the rubber thereoflaterally to form a fluid tight-seal between the pipe 22 and the innersurface of the extension or bowl 21.

rin

.The lower portion of the inner surface of the extension 21 is slightlytapered downwardly and inwardly to the shoulder 37 such that when theouter rubber sealing member 42 is pressed into position from above, thelower edge of the sealin member 42 is crowded a ainst the tapere innersurface 51 which faci itates the forming of a tight seal at this point.The sealing members 41 and 42 have annular rid cs 52 and 53 thereonwhich fit within the c annel ortions of the 38 and 43. The lower e ge ofthe outer pac 'ng member 42 is provided with a groove 54, preferably ofV shape adjacent the outer ge in a position to provide a relativel sharpdownwardlyextending flange 55 whic extends slightly be 0nd the outeredge of the tin 38 and into rm engagement with the sur ace 51 of theextension 21 to. form therewith a fluid tight and relatively highpressure seal. The packing assemb y is preferably held together bysuitablepms 29 pass- 1,91e,e1o

The inner packing element 41 is provided with a beveled upper corner 61to facilitate the downward movement of the drill pipe therethrough. Thelower surface of the packing member 41 is provided with a pocket 62 intowhich fluid under high pressure may pass to firmly press'the dependingflange 63 on the inner lower edge of the member 41 into firm engagementwith-the pipe 22. The lower edge of the flange 63 has a beveled edge 64forming in effect an outward flaring of the flange 63 at the lower edgeto. facilitate the upward movement of the pipe 22- therethrough togetherwith the collar 22' thereon. Above the loose bushin 45 and resting onthe same is an adjustable bushing 67 having threaded engagement at 68with interior threads on the upper end ofthe extension or bowl 21. Theupper end of extension 21 is provided with external threads havingengagement at 69 with internal threads on the packinggland casing 71;The casing 71 is provided with a shoulder 72 on which is seated a ring73 for holding a packing gland seal 74. On the top of the seal 74 isseated a ring v7 5 on which is seated adjustable packing gland. nut 77having threaded engagement at 78 with internal threads on the upper endof the casing 71. The nut 77 may be split if desired so that it may bereadily placed in position without passing it over the end of the pi e.

In igure 2 is more particularly illustrated the method of raising andlowering a pipe in a well by passing it longitudinally through thecasing head and simultaneously maintaining a radial force of the packingmember 41 against the pipe 22 so that a fluid-tight seal is maintainedeven when the collar 22 is passing through the packing. This result isaccomplished articularly because of the opposed grooves 5 and 58 in thepacking element permitting the displacement therein of material of thepacking element as the collar 22' passes through the assembly as shownin Figure 2. This result is also aided by the depending flange 63 on theacking ele ment .41, which flange is adapted to expand and contract byreason of its inherent resiliency and by reason of the specific formthereof which provides a pocket 62 around the flange 63 for receivingfluid under pressure to rmly. hold the flange 63 against the ipe 22 andthe collar -22' as it passes thererough.

In the modification of my invention shown in Figure 6, the casing head80 is of substantially cylindrical form havin radial openings 85 onopposite sides in w ich are threaded radially extending pipes 86 fordelivering fluid from the interior of the head to any suitable point ofdelivery. In this form of my invention, the vertically extending bowl 87has threaded enga ement with the upper end of the casing hea at 88. Theinner packing member 41 is provided with a pocket 62 and the dependingflange on the lower inner edge is adapted for engagement with the pipe22 to form a seal therewith as described with reference to Figure 5. Theupper corner of the member 41 is beveled at 84 to facilitate thedownward movement of a pipe therethrough. Upon the upper beveled corner61 ofthe packin 41 is seated an auxiliary packing ring 76 w ich engagesthe lowerends of the wedges 47 to hold the auxiliary packing in place.

It is thought that my novel method of raising and lowerin pipe in a wellwhereby a seal is continuous y maintained about the pipe at the upperextremity of the well during such process of raising and/or loweringpipe will be fully understood from the above description of an apparatusby which the method may be. practiced.

The advantages of my invention have already become well known in the oilfield. In the first place the invention has proven to be a deci edlyimportant one in that it affords a solution to the problem of oil welloperators with regard to the holding of the fluid pressures in the wellso that sudden outbursts of fluid, such as gas, salt water, oil, etc.,will not result in damage to the surrounding property and land. Forexample if in the drillingpf the well a salt water formation should bereached and salt water should suddenly be forcibly moved upwardlythrough the drill pipe such salt water might be discharged onto thepropert surrounding the well and thus result in itigation for any damageensuing as a result of the spraying of that land with the salt water.

.. Such salt water is not only detrimental to the crops but quitefrequently results in the death of livestock WhlCh may have drank suchwater. Much the same conditions would ensue as the result of thedischarge of other fluids into the atmosphere and territory surroundingthe well being operated.

Heretofore it has been exceedingly difli cult to harness such suddenoutbursts of den as to occur before the operator could introduce intothe head any means for sealing off such fluid pressures. Then, too, oncethe fluid is being discharged from the well it is very difiicult tointroduce into the path of the fluid a sealing medium for arresting orcontrolling its discharge from the well.

The present invention not only affords a solution to that problem buthas already met with a great deal of success in the oil field. Throughthe use of this invention it is possible to at all times have the wellunder control so that should a'sudden outburstof fluid occur the samemay be controlled and delivered to suitable receptacles foraccommodating the same or discharged in such a manner that it will notin any way injure the surrounding property. 1

Although I have herein described only two preferred forms of myinvention, I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous detailsof construction may be varied through a wide range without departingfrom the principle of this invention, and I therefore do not desire thatthe patent to be granted hereon shall be limited otherwise thannecessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough supporting means in saidextension, a packing'assembly on said supporting means, said packingassembly comprising an annular resilient packing element disposed forengagement with the pipe and including a depending skirt portion on itsinner edge, and means for urging downwardly on said packing assembly todepress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and saidextension.

2. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough supportin means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packingassembly comprising an'annular packing element disposed to surround thepipe, and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edge forengagement with the pipe, and means for urging downwardly on saidpacking assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure sealbetween the pipe and said extension.

3. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereof forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packinassembly comprising an annular packing e ement disposed to surround thepipe, said element havmg a groove in its lower edge providing an annularpocket spaced from the inner edge, and a depending flange on the inneredge of said packin element to increase the pressure resistance 0% thepacking, and means for urging downwardly on .said packing assembly todepress the same and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and saidextension..

4. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough supporting means in saidextension, a pac 'ng assembly on said supporting means, said packingassembly comprising an annular-packing element disposed to surround thepipe, said element having a groove in its lower edge providing anannular pocket spaced from the inner edge and a de ending flange on theinner ed e 0 said packing element to increase the %ressure resistance ofthe packing, and means for urging downwardly on said acking assembly todepress the same and orm a high pressure seal between the pi e and saidextension, said packing assem ly including a second packing elementdisposed between the first said packing element and said extension.-

5. 'In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe.

passing therethrough, supporting means in said extension, a packingassembly on said supporting means, said packing assembly comprising anannular resilient packing element disposed for engagement with the pipeand including a depending skirt portion on its inner edge, and means forurging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and forma high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packingassembly including a second packing element disposed between the firstsaid packing element and said extension.

6. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extensionthereon forsurrounding a pipe paming therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assemblyon said supporting means, said packingassembly compris ng an annular packing element disposed to surround thedrill pipe, and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edgefor engagement with the pipe, and means for urging downwardly on saidpacking assembly to depress the same and form a high pressure sealbetween the pipe and said extension, said packing assembly including asecond packing element disposed between the first said packing elementand said extension.

7. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, said packingassembly comprising a packing element with its outer edge engaging theinner surface of said extension, said extension having its inner surfacetapered upwardly and outwardly away from by said packing element, andmeans for urging downwardly on said packing element to depress the sameand to form a high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension.

8. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means forurging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and forma high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packingassembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of its outersurface engaging the inner surface of said extension, said packingelement having a groove in its lower surface providing a flange at theouter edge engaging said extension.

9. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and meanssupported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the weight of thepipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, saidpacking assembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of itsouter surface engagin the inner surface of said extension, said packingelement having a groove in its lower surface providing a flange at theouter edge engaging said extension.

10. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on sa'dextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and meanssupported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the Weight of thepipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, saidpacking assembly comprising an annular resilient packing elementdisposed for engagement with the pipe and including a depending skirtportion on its lower edge.

11. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means on saidextension, a packing assembly oh said supporting means, and meanssupported by said packing assembly, adapted to hold the weight of thepipe for compressing the packing and forming a high pressure seal, saidpacking assembly comprising an annular packing element disposed tosurround the ipe, and including a flexible depending ange on the inneredge for engagement with the pipe.

12. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means forurging downwardy on said packing assembly to depress the same and form ahigh pressure seal etween the pipe and said extension, said packingassembly comprising a packing element with the lower edge of its outersurface engaging the inner surface of said extension, said packingelement having an annular V shaped groove in its lower edge near theouter edge, providing a depending flange at the outer edge, engagingsaid extension, said extenson havin its inner surface tapered inwardlyand ownwardly where engaged by said packing element.

13. In a casing head, a vertically disposed extension thereon forsurrounding a pipe passing therethrough, supporting means in saidextension, a packing assembly on said supporting means, and means forurging downwardly on said packing assembly to depress the same and forma high pressure seal between the pipe and said extension, said packingassembl comprising an annular packing element isposed about the pipe,and including a flexible depending flange on the inner edge forengagement with the pipe, the lower extremity of said flange beingflared outwardly to permit the withdrawal therethrough of a pipe havinga collar. thereon.

14. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a verticallydisposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said headand into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assemblyseated on said supporting means and including a.

lower packing ring, an inner rubber packing element on said ring forengagement with the pipe comprising a depending flange on the inner edgeflared outwardly at the bottom, a second rubber packing elementinterposed between and engaging the first said packing element, and saidextension, the second said packing element including an annular-packingflange on its lower outer edge engaging the inner surface of saidextension, and means for urging downwardly on said packing element tocause a lateral displacement of the rubber to form a high pressure fluidtight seal between the pipe and said extension.

15. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a verticallydisposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through, saidhead and into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packingassembly seated on said supporting means and including a lower packingring, an inner rubber packing element on said ring for engagement withthe pipe, comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flaredoutwardly at the bottom, a second rubber packing element interposedbetween and engaging'the first said packing element, and said ektension,the second said packing element including an annular packing flange onits lower outer edge engaging the inner surfaceof said extension, andmeans for urging downwardly on said packing element to cause a lateraldisplacement of the rubber to form a high pressure fluid tight sealbetween the pipe and said.

extension, said head having a large internal diameter and including aslanting lateral takeoff of large diameter to reduce friction in thehead, and permit relatively low positioning of said head on a wellcasing.

16. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a verticallydisposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said headand into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assemblyseated on said supporting means and including a lower packing ring, aninner rubber packing element on said ring for engagement with the pipe,comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at thebottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engagingthe first said packing element, and said extension, the second saidpacking element including an annular packing flangeon its lower outeredge engaglng. the inner surface of said extension, the first saidpacking element having its upper inner edge beveled to facilitatedownward movement of a pipe therethrough, an upper packing ring seatedon and embracing portions of the upper edge of said packing element, andmeans supported by said upper ring adapted to hold the weight ofthe pipeto depress the packing element and form a 'igh pressure seal between thepipe and said extension.

17. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a verticallydisposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said headand into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assemblyseated on said supporting means arid including a lower packing ring, aninner ubber packing element on said ring forengagement with the pipe,comprising a depending flan e on the inner edge flared outwardly at the'ottom, a second rubber packing element interposed between and engagingthe first said packing element, and said extension, the second-saipacking element including an annular packing flange on its lower outered engaging the inner surface of said extension, the first said packingelement having its upper inner edge beveled to facilitatedownward'movement of a pipe therethrough, an upper packing ring seatedon and embracing portions 0 the upper edge of said packing element, andmeans supported by said upper ring adapted to hold the weight of thepipe to depress the packing element and form a high pressure sealbetween the pipe and said extension, an auxiliary resilient sealing ringdisposed between said upper ring and the pipe, and

engaging the first said sealing member on its .beveled edge.

18. In a device of the class described, a casing head, a verticallydisposed extension thereon, to surround a pipe passing through said headand into a well, supporting means in said extension, a packing assemblon said supporting means and inc uding a lower packing ring, an innerrubber packin' element on said ring for engagement wit the pipe,comprising a depending flange on the inner edge flared outwardly at thebotseatedv ring adapted to hold the weight of the pipe to depress thepacking element and form a high pressure seal between the pipe and saidextension, said packing element having opposed grooves on theirco-engaging surfaces to provide space for the displacement of rubberwhen a collar on a pipe is passed through the packing assembly. I

19. As an article of manufacture, a casing head having a hollow globularbody op? positely disposed fluid discharge openings and lateral liftingears connected to said body between and at an angle to said open-' inglsand formed for connection to elevating an s..

20. Sealing means for use in well drilling apparatus including a pair ofcomplementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocketbetween them to-provide for internal displacement of the material ofsaid rings when they are subjected to pressure,

21. Sealing means for use with a casing head and the like including apair of complementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring likepocket between them to provi e for internal dis lacement of the materialof said rings w en they are subjected to pressure, and a lateral deending skirt portion on each of said rings or enhancing the real effectof said rings when they are in use.

22. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipeextending through said head and comprising a ring having its internalsurface radially urged into'engagement with said pipe and formed toyield radially from and toward the ipe as the pipe and its couplings arepassed t rough the casin head so as to continuously maintain a fluitight seal about the pipe said ring having an'outer marginal portionformed to be distorted laterally and outwardly when subjected topressure, into sealing engagement with the adjoining wall of the casinghead and means for exerting a downward pressure on said sealing means toforce it into effective sealing posi-- tion.

23. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipeextending through said head and comprising a ring having its internalsurface radially urged into engagement with said pipe and formed with anenclosed internal cavlty so as to yieldradially from and toward the pipeas the pipe and its couplings are passed through the casing head so asto continuously maintain a fluid tight seal about the pipe, and meansfor suspending the weight of said pipe on said ring.

24. Sealing means for use in well drilling apparatus including a pair ofcomplementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocketbetween them to provide for in-- ternal displacement of the material ofsaid rings when they are subjected to pressure, and a downwardlydepending skirt portion on the inner ring for enhancing the sealingefl'ect of said rings when they are in use. a

25. Sealing means for use with a casing head including a pair ofcomplementary and concentric flexible rings defining a ring like pocketbetween them to provide for internal displacement of the material ofsaid rings when they. are subjected to pressure, the outer of said ringshaving a circular groove in its lower end positioned to .be exposed tofluid pressure so as to aid forming a seal between said outer ring andthe casing head.

26. In a casing head, sealing means for disposition around pipeextending through said casing headand comprising a ring having itsinternal surface radially urgedlnto engagement with said pipe and formedhollow to yield internally and radially from and toward the ipe as thepipe and its couplings are passe through thecasing head so as tocontinuously maintain a fluid-tight seal about the pipe and means forexerting a downward

